Are you an international student searching for cheap universities to study without IELTS? This article is for you.
International students looking to study in the U.S. don’t have to rely on IELTS. There are several alternative English tests available, including TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE. In this article, we’ll show you 20 cheapest universities in the USA for international students without IELTS.
How can you study in the USA without IELTS?
For international students in the USA? an English exam is required for admission into the university to prove that students can speak, write and understand the English language. The English exams are provided by globally approved English test boards such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), TOEFL, PTE etc. The IELTS exam is widely required by many American universities.
Nonetheless, a number of American universities accept international students without the IELTS, increasing the range of educational options.
Alternative English test in US
If you’re an international student interested in applying to study in America and you don’t want to take the IELTS exam, there are other widely accepted English tests you can write. These tests include the TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE and are used to measure your level of English proficiency in an academic setting.
Here are some popular alternative English tests accepted by U.S. universities:
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the U.S. It tests a student's ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English, at a university level. The exam is taken three times in every month of the year at approved test centers. Many universities accept TOEFL scores as an alternative to IELTS.
2. Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online test that is becoming more popular among U.S. universities. The test was created to be internet based instead of paper-based. It costs $65 and can be taken remotely.
To take the Duolingo English test, you'll need to sign up for an account at https://englishtest.duolingo.com/register. Once signed up, you click the ‘BUY NOW’ button to purchase the test.
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE Academic is another computer based English proficiency test recognized by U.S. universities. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, in just two hours and results are usually available within a few days.
The PTE test is recognized by the US state boards of Nursing for work visas.
4. Cambridge English
Cambridge Assessment English or Cambridge English offers various English language tests, including the C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency exams.
It is one of the most recognized English exams in the world and it is accepted by many U.S. universities as proof of English proficiency.
Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students without IELTS
Let’s have a look at Cheapest Universities in the USA for international students without IELTS.
1. University of Delaware
UD ranks number 10 of 235 in best public universities, and number 25 overall among 500 colleges and universities nationwide, according to The Wall Street Journal.
To get admission to the University of Delaware, the students must submit their TOEFL, Duolingo, or Cambridge English assessment results. This requirement, however, might not apply to students who have finished at least two years of full-time study in an English-speaking high school or university.
Location: Newark, Delaware
Average Tuition Fee: $35,000 - $40,000 per year (for international students)
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency through TOEFL, Duolingo, or Cambridge English assessment.
- Some students may be exempt if they have completed at least two years of full-time study in an English-speaking school.
- Academic records and possibly an interview may be used to assess English proficiency.
Apply to the University of Delaware
2. Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, United States.
Students applying for admission in the Fall/Spring of 2024 or the Spring of 2025 do not need to submit their SAT or ACT results to be admitted to Syracuse University.
Location: Syracuse, New York
Average Tuition Fee: $52,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- No SAT or ACT required for Fall/Spring 2024 admissions.
- English proficiency through TOEFL, Duolingo, or other recognized tests.
Apply to the University of Sycaruse
3. Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University located in Spearfish, South Dakota accepts international student applications in the fall and spring.
International students are required to submit their applications directly to Black Hills State University online portal. As part of their application, they are also required to submit a TOEFL score of 61 to be eligible for their F-1 visa.
Location: Spearfish, South Dakota
Average Tuition Fee: $12,000 - $15,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- Submit TOEFL score of 61 (if not submitting other English proficiency tests).
Apply to Black Hills State University
4. Miami International University of Art & Design
Miami International University of Art & Design is one of the best universities offering admission to international students in the US. A part of their admission requirements for international students who do not speak English as their native tongue is the TOEFL or PTE exams to prove their level of English proficiency.
The school is one of the most affordable places to study Arts and Design in the United States.
Location: Miami, Florida
Average Tuition Fee: $20,000 - $30,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency via TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests.
Apply to Miami International University of Arts & Design
5. The College of New Jersey
This university is one of the most affordable public universities in the US. It is located in Ewing, New Jersey.
Students who do not wish to take the IELTS exam are expected to submit a TOEFL minimum score of 7.0.
Location: Ewing, New Jersey
Average Tuition Fee: $25,000 - $30,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.
6. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado, one of America’s best research universities offers a variety of ways to demonstrate your English proficiency, including taking the TOEFL, using Duolingo, or finishing an approved English language program.
Additionally, applicants who have completed at least one full year of academic study at the university are not required to provide English proficiency results.
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Average Tuition Fee: $35,000 - $45,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency through TOEFL, Duolingo, or completing an approved English language program.
- International students may be exempt if they have studied in English for at least two years in a secondary education system.
Apply to the University of Colorado
7. University of Dayton
International students seeking admission into the University of Dayton can submit their TOEFL and PTE scores instead of IELTS.
Applicants may include any of these English proficiency tests with their application, as long as they meet the minimum score requirements.
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Average Tuition Fee: $42,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency through TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests.
Apply to the University of Dayton
8. California State University
California State University (CSU) accepts a variety of English proficiency tests, including the TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo.
If you don’t want to write an IELTS exam, you can submit one of the accepted English tests as long as it meets the requirements of your program.
Location: Various campuses across California
Average Tuition Fee: $18,000 - $25,000 per year (depends on the campus)
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency via TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE.
- Specific requirements may vary by campus and program, so it is essential to check course websites.
Apply to Carlifonia State University
9. Arkansas State University
University of Arkansas is one of the best universities to apply to if you don’t want to write an IELTS exam.
Results from other English proficiency tests, including PTE, TOEFL, and iTEP, are also accepted by the university.
However, it is important to verify the English language requirements with the department you’re applying to.
Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Average Tuition Fee: $13,000 - $15,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency via TOEFL, PTE, iTEP, or other recognized tests.
Apply to Arkansas State University
10. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa located in Iowa City is another cheap US university that offers top notch programs for international students without IELTS. It was founded in 1847 and is split into 12 colleges offering over 200 courses.
The university has provided several means for international students to demonstrate their English language competency to meet up with their admission requirements.
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Average Tuition Fee: $31,000 - $38,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency through TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or other tests.
Apply to the University of Iowa
11. Drexel University
Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one of the best universities with an affordable tuition fee as low as $20,000 per year.
International students whose native language is not English and want to study at Drexel in the USA but still need to prove their English proficiency without IELTS may be eligible for a waiver if they have earned a university degree from an English speaking country or have worked in the US for 5 years.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average Tuition Fee:$20,000 - $56,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency via TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests.
- If the student does not meet English requirements, Drexel may offer conditional acceptance if applicants meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Have citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country
- Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a recognized English-speaking country
- Have worked in the United States for 5 or more years
- Completed full bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree that was delivered entirely in English
12. Northwood University
Northwood university is a private university situated in Michigan, USA. The university offers the cheapest academic programs to international students without IELTS.
The university accepts CEFR, Cambridge English Test, PTE Academic and a written certificate of language proficiency for students without IELTS.
Location: Midland, Michigan
Average Tuition Fee: $29,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements:
- English proficiency via TOEFL, PTE, ELS, IB, or Cambridge English Test.
13. University of Houston
University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas established in 1927. The average tuition cost at University of Houston after financial aid is roughly $14,000.
All applicants applying to the university must present their proof of English language. Pearson Test of English, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL.
Location: Houston, Texas
Average Tuition Fee: $24,000 - $30,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo for English proficiency.
Apply to the University of Houston
14. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University in Starkville is one of the cheapest universities for international students to study in the USA.
The university accepts English language tests in the form of TOEFL from international students. International Students may waive the proof of English language proficiency if they are from one of the exempt countries listed on the university’s website.
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Average Tuition Fee: $21,000 - $25,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo as alternatives to IELTS.
Apply to Mississippi State University
15. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida offers world class programs for as low as $17,000 per year for international students.
The University accepts TOEFL, Verbal GRE, MELAB and UF Eli Exit Certificate as proof of English Proficiency.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Average Tuition Fee: $17,000 - $22,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or other English proficiency tests.
Apply to University of South Florida
16. University of North Texas
University of North Texas in Denton offers programs within the range of $20000 to $25000 per academic year. The school also has a long list of financial aid programs available for international students.
University of North Texas accepts TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, or completion of an English language program.
Location: Denton, Texas
Average Tuition Fee: $20,000 - $25,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, or completion of an English language program.
Apply to University of North Texas
17. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
South Illinois University located in Carbondale, Illinois is a public university that offers strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. It is popularly known as one of the more affordable public universities for international students.
Tuition fee for international students ranges between $14,000 to $50,000. The university accepts TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Location: Carbondale, Illinois
Average Tuition Fee: $14,000 - $18,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo instead of IELTS.
Apply to Southern Illinois University Carbondale
18. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of America’s best universities known for its research programs. The university’s tuition is affordable with many financial aid opportunities available for international students.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Average Tuition Fee: $18,000 - $22,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts TOEFL, PTEA, or Duolingo for undergraduate and TOEFL, PTEA, IELA, Duolingo and TOEFL essentials as alternatives to IELTS.
Apply to University of Alabama at Birmingham
19. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private research institute in Provo Utah.
It is widely revered for its affordability, making it one of the cheapest universities in the USA. You can study at Brigham without IELTS as long as you meet the requirements for the other English proficiency requirements.
Location: Provo, Utah
Average Tuition Fee: $13,000 - $16,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts PTE, iBT TOEFL, Paper-based TOEFL, Computer based TOEFL.
Apply to Brigham Young University
20. Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University is a public university founded in 1948 in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The school offers over a hundred academic programs to international students. Students studying more than 8 hours are required to submit their TOEFL results as proof of English proficiency.
Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Average Tuition Fee: $13,000 - $20,000 per year
English Proficiency Requirements: Accepts ACT English, TOEFL, or PTE
Apply to Nicholls State University
Conclusion
If you're an international student looking to study in the U.S., you don’t have to rely on IELTS to prove your level of proficiency in English. There are several alternative English tests available, including TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE.
To begin your application to cheap universities without IELTS. Read the information we provided above for you thoroughly.